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The Salsa Socialite©: Dance Like the Stars with Cheryl Burke Dance

Posted in Danscents! - DANCE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 17th, 2010
Ashanti Altovese griffin & Mikko Kemppe

Ashanti Altovese Griffin & Mikko Kemppe - Professional Latin Dancers & Instructors

December is here and that means, food, food, and more food! Dance is the perfect exercise for keeping the pounds from piling on as your plate piles up. New to the topic of dance fitness? Well, welcome to The Salsa Socialite, the lifestyle guide to Salsa food, fashion, and fitness.

This December, give the gift of dance to help keep the waistline slim! San Francisco offers great locations for dance fitness services and a variety of dances to sample. Salsa, Ballroom, Samba, and Ballet are just a few options for singles and couple alike. Cheryl Burke Dance Studio, located at 1830 17th Street in San Francisco, is the perfect place help make dance apart of your lifestyle. As their slogan, “Dance for fitness. Dance for life.” says, it can truly change your life for the better!

Cheryl Burke has made quite a name for herself on the hit series “Dancing with the Stars“. Who knew that her love for dance as an art form and a fitness regiment would take her to the heights of fame and fortune? Imagine what dance can do for you! Once you let it in, it can transform your waistline, attitude, and social bonds. Make a date with Cheryl Burke and discover your inner dancer! Because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

The Salsa Socialite©: Dance Away Depression Blues

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 17th, 2010
Professional Dancer & Instructor Ashanti Altovese Griffin

Professional Dancer & Instructor Ashanti Altovese Griffin

Dance is a great way to get physically fit and increase social bonds. Life can bring various challenges and adverse situations that can lead to health issues and mental stress. When signs of depression are evident, its a serious situation that needs to be addressed immediately before it progresses into something else. One approach to remedy “the blues” is dance therapy. New to how dance fitness can brighten your life? Welcome to The Salsa Socialite, the lifestyle guide to Salsa food, fashion, and fitness.

Depression is a mental health disease that effects hundreds of thousands of people in the US. Effects of depression can transcend into various areas of life such as family, career, romance, and overall health. Dance is a great way to combat depression as it provides several keys elements that contribute to a happy disposition. A combination of social interaction, physical activity, and musical engagement allow the mind and body to release stress and feel free through dance.

Salsa along with other genres are a great way to proactively build mental and physical health through dance. A strong mind governs a strong body and dance allows the positive flow of energy to both. So, as life brings it’s ups and downs into your world, utilize a foundation of dance to balance your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

The Salsa Socialite©: Salsa Travel First Class Style

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 17th, 2010
The Global 5000 Luxury Private Jet

The Global 5000 Luxury Private Jet

Dance conditions the body to adapt to different positions without feeling uncomfortable. At least once you have experienced air travel on a confined flight for three to four hours with a crying baby screaming in your ear, a person kicking the back of your seat, or your neighbor snoring in your lap. You thought to yourself, “What did I do in life to deserve this?” It was the worst in flight experience of your waking life and you just wanted it to be over. Well, there are those that travel cramped next to the aisle and those that travel relaxed and in style! Welcome to the world of The Salsa Socialite©, the lifestyle guide to Salsa food fashion, and fitness.

There you are, nestled comfortably in your heated leather fallback chair, on a private luxury jet only known as The Global 5000. I’m sure you can think of 5000 reasons why you should indulge yourself in this ridiculously glamorous transport and only one reason not to, because you’re crazy…But don’t let mental illness keep you from rolling in the lap of luxury while you make your way to the destination of Salsa paradise, the Puerto Rico Salsa Congress. Revel in peace and tranquility while you and fifteen of your Salsa friends enjoy delicious meal service from a team of highly trained professional flight staff ready to cater to your every wish and whimsy. You order the lobster and shrimp cocktail with a side of filet mignon and look outside the window. You’re 30,000 feet in the air with not a hint of turbulence on the radar. Cruising through the sky at max speed of 561mph, you’re in a hurry to feel the sun on your face, the Puerto Rican water rushing at you feet, and mouth-watering plantains you’ve been dreaming to savor. No worries, your paradise is waiting for you. Laid back and feeling drowsy from the ultra fine white wine of Montrachet 1978 from Domaine de la Romanee – Conti, you doze off in a sweet slumber.

Ah, such is life and what a great one it is! Don’t feel guilty about Salsa traveling in first class style as it is a niche that one must protect like a white sand public beach no one has discovered. Enjoy this moment Salseros because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

The Salsa Socialite©: Salsa sport

Posted in Danscents! - DANCE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 17th, 2010
Anya Katsevman & Luis Aguilar - World Champions On2

Anya Katsevman & Luis Aguilar - World Champions On2

Dance is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, and agility. Salsa is a dance that brings athletes from all backgrounds to master its intricate and sensual movements. When Salsa meets sport its an explosion of talent and creativity that delights spectators young and old. Unfamiliar with Salsa sport? Welcome to The Salsa Socialite, the lifestyle guide to Salsa food, fashion, and fitness.

The World Salsa Championships is considered the Olympics of Salsa. Presented by Albert Torres of Albert Torres Productions and Salsa Seven Productions, this premier event is anticipated every year by Salsa performers, competitors, and enthusiasts alike. Four division categories comprise the established competition that includes On 1, On 2, Cabaret, and Team. Dancers from countries all across the world such as Japan, Australia, Colombia, Mexico, Netherlands, United States, and many more compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Many competitors prepare for a year or more to qualify and compete in the prestigious event. Associated with ESPN, the event opens the public’s eyes to the true nature of the dance on an athletic level.

Explore the world of Salsa sport and get inspired by the level of talent and commitment to the art and dance of Salsa. Discover your inner dancer because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

The Salsa Socialite: A Happy Holiday Salad

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 17th, 2010
Tomato, Mozzarella, & Basil Salad with Olive Oil and Cracked Black Pepper

Tomato, Mozzarella, & Basil Salad with Olive Oil and Cracked Black Pepper

Dance is a welcome activity in holiday celebrations and is a great way to burn off the holiday fat. One can also prepare healthy and tasty cuisine that satisfies the taste buds and keeps the body fit and trim. Don’t believe in such a combination? Welcome to The Salsa Socialite, the lifestyle guide to Salsa food, fashion, and fitness.

Christmas dinner is a special feast that everyone looks forward to. With a large array of food selections to choose from, people become excited when their favorite dish is presented in elegant style with a taste to match. To be free from guilt when consuming a favorite dish is the best present ever and a salad never disappoints. Tomato, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cracked black peppercorn is a dish that is consumed immediately. A special dish for a special day!

Enjoy the holiday festivities as the New Year descends upon us. Look back at the year passed and look forward to the year presented with energy full of positive light. Salsa luxury awaits because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

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San Francisco Dance Fitness Fashion by Elaine Kim

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 16th, 2010
Elaine Kim in her Cashmier Dancer Sleeve

Elaine Kim in her Cashmier Dancer Sleeve

Dance has an allure that is captured as art in motion. The style and fashion of the dancer fully completes the expression and draws audiences in. For those looking to enhance their style for the dance floor, designer Elaine Kim has just the clothing and accessories to keep you looking fashion fierce. As a special treat for the San Francisco elite, Elaine showcased her latest pieces at a Trunk Show to help benefit the Nick Traina Foundation on Wednesday, October 7th. Held at the lavish St. Regis Hotel, the showcase offered exquisite items to make any fashionista quiver with excitement.

Elaine, an accomplished designer with fashion reviews in countless magazines including Lucky, In Style, Apparel News, and Women’s Wear Daily, showcased sassy and sophisticated clothing wear from her fall 2009 collection. Cashmere was the word of the day as Elaine modeled a comfy but sexy dancer sleeve that would compliment the look of any dancer going to dance practice or a night on the town. If you’re looking for a face-to-face fitting, Elaine’s studio in Los Angeles, California houses her fabulous collection and gives you an intimate look at the designer’s influence between two cultures, Korean and American. No matter the season, Elaine is poised and looking forward to next chapter in fashion excellence. Experience her fever at Elaine Kim for the latest news, history, and photos of this West Coast style visionary.

No matter the dance, Latin Spice or Samba, remember to look fashion forward because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

The Salsa Socialite©: Salsa on the High Seas

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 16th, 2010
Galaxy Motor Luxury Yacht

Galaxy Motor Luxury Yacht

Dance is fantastic when it can be experienced in a beautiful foreign land. It’s special when one can travel to different cities while experiencing the food, culture, and people that make that location one of a kind. It’s even better if there’s a Salsa congress to feed the need for Latin musical bliss, intense workshops, and performances from the best in the business. But have you ever experienced dancing Salsa in total luxury on the high seas? If not, welcome to the world of The Salsa Socialite©, the lifestyle guide to Salsa food, fashion, and fitness.

Just imagine yourself with eleven other lucky guests on a simple little voyage to none other than the high cliffs of Greece for a week of sunbathing, swimming, and all out relaxation Salsa style. You decide to take the ultimate vessel in Mediterranean and Caribbean Sea travel, a luxury yacht that glistens in the sun while the salt water splashes at its bough. And why not, you deserve the best that life can offer because you worked hard for it. You sacrificed when others indulged in instant gratification, and now you’re here – living the life. Let’s see how you plan on celebrating your success on the high seas…

Your luxury yacht has a total of six cabins for comfortable sleeping, a cool 183 feet for entertaining your guests of the Salsa elite, and exotic woods and marbles that keep you at ease and wondering how much decadence can a Salsero take. With the wine cellar stocked full, its best to save the multiple turns for solid ground as the rolling of the waves may cause slight disorientation. And when you’re in need of a little workout for the swimwear body, you have your full exercise gym on the lower deck for a convenient sweat session. Lastly, what would a luxury yacht be without a Jacuzzi to soothe your tender muscles after exercise, dancing, swimming, and rolling over in the sun? Don’t worry, we understand your exertion and would gladly have you take the elevator to transport you from deck to deck on your luxury sea ride. Congratulations are due to you as you are living the life of Salsa opulence.

Now how is that for a Salsa experience? It beats even the best salsa congress but can be used as a pre-party warm up or an after-party cool down. Regardless of how you do it, the point is – do it! Because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

San Francisco Dance Fitness Cuisine: Chicken Fried Tilapia

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 16th, 2010
Chicken Fried Tilapia with Tostada over Rice

Chicken Fried Tilapia with Tostada over Rice

Dance can be demanding on the body and a dancer’s diet can help to ensure a speedy recovery. Fried is usually a no-no in the dancer dictionary but this special recipe delivers fried food with calories packed for jumps, lifts, and turns. Whether getting fit with Latin Spice at 24hr Fitness or Samba Cabaret with Kellita Maloof, this dish will give you what you need to flex and follow your way to a hot body.

Ingredients
- 4 tilapia filets
- 1 cup white rice
- 3 corn tortillas
- Monterrey jack cheese
- ¾ cup of vegetable oil
- 4 Tsp McCormick’s® Grill Mates Chicken Rub
- ¼ diced tomato
- ¼ cup sliced white onion

Preparation
In a large bowl, add chicken rub seasoning to fish filets. Be sure to cover both sides of the filets with rub. Slice white onion and dice tomato. In a large saucepan, add ½ cup of oil, heat under medium high fire. Add the remaining oil in a separate pan and heat under medium high fire. Place fish filets in oil and cook for about 15 minutes until cooked completely. Add corn tortillas to other oil and cook until crispy. While tortillas fry, add onions, tomato, and cheese to the top of the tortillas. Boil rice and steam while remaining dishes cook.

Presentation
Place rice on the plate first and add fish filets next to rice. Place tostada on the side of rice and fish and the dish is complete. No fuss over this heavenly dish. Enjoy this Latin comfort cuisine because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle! Take your full stomach out for a night of dancing in the San Francisco city scene.

San Francisco Dance Fitness Cuisine: White Wine Garlic Chicken

Posted in Danscents! - LIFE. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 16th, 2010
White Wine Chicken & Garlic over Angel Hair Pasta

White Wine Chicken & Garlic over Angel Hair Pasta

Dance is an activity that requires substantial energy in order to perform at the maximum output. Although it’s important to maintain a balanced diet, one shouldn’t necessarily sacrifice flavor and decadence. This is a delicious recipe with a savory profile and enough calories for a strong performance or intense training session. After a sultry class at S Factor or high energy Zumba® at 24hr Fitness, savor this simply decadent meal.

If your stomach is feeling sophisticated and sexy prior to a night of dancing, this recipe will satisfy that urge for class and sass on a plate. Succulent chicken and pasta will keep you at heaven’s gate.

Ingredients
- 3 skinless chicken breast filets
- 2 cups angel hair pasta
- ½ cup of sliced white onion
- ½ cup of sliced green pepper
- 2 Tsp of chopped garlic
- 1 cup of white wine
- ¼ cup of olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation
Season chicken with black pepper and salt to taste. Slice white onion and green pepper, and chop garlic. Place chicken breast filets in a large sauce pan with olive oil over medium heat. Pour white wine over the chicken breast filets and add the sliced vegetables and chopped garlic. Cover sauce pan with a lid and cook for approximately 10-20 minutes. Boil angel hair pasta until done and drain. Check chicken breast filets for complete cook.

Presentation
To start, place a chicken breast filet on a bed of angel hair pasta. Cover chicken with a nice portion of green pepper and white onion. Pour white wine, olive oil, and garlic sauce over chicken and pasta. Top chicken with grated Parmesan cheese to taste. Enjoy this luscious cuisine because it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle! Primp and press for a night in the San Francisco city scene.

San Francisco Dance Fitness Fragrance by Danscents!™

Posted in Danscents! - SCENT. by Ashanti Altovese on the January 16th, 2010
Salsalicious! The Fragrance by Danscents!

Salsalicious! The Fragrance by Danscents!

Dance is an art form that entertains viewers, conditions the body, and challenges people to see the world in a different light. Fragrance also captures people’s attention through scent and the character the fragrance illuminates. Danscents!™ is a company that combines the world of dance and scent through their dance-themed fragrance products for women.

Created by professional dancer Ashanti Altovese, Danscents!™ celebrates dance and women through their five fragrances. If Salsa, Ballet, Belly dance, Ballroom, or Pole dance excite your senses for dance fitness or fun, then Salsalicious!®, Prima Ballerina!®, Belly Empress!®, Ballroom Belle!®, and Pole Goddess!® are your answers to smelling like a dancer taking center stage.

As Salsa is Ashanti’s ultimate dance of choice, she made Salsalicious!® Danscents!™ signature fragrance. It has an exotic blend of China rain, peach, and vanilla essence to give its wearer a light and sweet feeling on the dance floor from dusk until dawn. This fragrance is presented in a dramatic crystal bottle that changes from blue to fuchsia in the light, and can be refilled with any of the other four Danscents!™ fragrances.

So before and after an intense workout at 24hr Fitness, a bump and grind at S Factor, or a shake and shimmy at Hot Pink Feathers, celebrate dance and women through fragrance with Danscents!™. No matter which scent you choose for your evening of fun, remember it’s more than just a dance, it’s a lifestyle!

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